Inspire a young designer this Christmas – sponsor a School Design Prize

The Furniture Makers’ Company has launched a Christmas fundraising campaign and is asking for the entire furnishing industry to sponsor a School Design Prize, giving give the gift of inspiration to a design student this festive season.

The School Design Prize was launched in 2014 to raise awareness of the furnishing industry among school children. Every year The Furniture Makers’ Company asks companies and individuals to sponsor copies of school curriculum textbook Design of the 20th Century’ by Charlotte and Peter Fiell.

The prizes are posted to schools around the country with a certificate for design & technology teachers to present to their most outstanding student.

All of the winners of the School Design Prize are then put forward to a national competition and invited to exhibit at the annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition in October.

This year the charity has a target to give 700 prizes to 350 schools around the UK. For a donation of just £50 (+VAT) the charity will send a school two prizes to reward an outstanding male and female.

Hayden Davies, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “The government’s focus on growing the economy and raising productivity by increasing the number of people studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) has meant a reduction in funding for the arts and fewer students being directed toward designs & technology.

“For less than a festive evening out, you can help young people learn more about our dynamic  industry by sponsoring a School Design Prize.”

Matthew Pembery, 2018 School Design Prize winner, said: “It was a great honour to receive the School Design Prize and as a result I was invited to the Young Furniture Makers exhibition in London. At the exhibition I was able to talk to other students about their designs, which was both educational and inspiring given the standard of work on display. The advice which I obtained from design professionals and other students at the event will be greatly beneficial to my progression as a designer.”

Emaline Hamnett, 2018 School Design Prize winner, said: “From the very beginning I knew how important and competitive this award was which only boosted my determination to work as hard as I could. The hard work paid off and I got an amazing opportunity to display my work and meet the most incredible people. It was a truly amazing day and I would like to thank The Furniture Makers’ Company for the experience.”

To sponsor a School Design Prize today, go to http://bit.ly/SchoolDesignPrize2019

Alternatively, call Laura Garnett, head of fundraising on 020 7562 8527 or email laura@furnituremakers.org.uk.